A Field Guide to Caterpillars of Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe

by D.J. Carter, Brian Hargreaves

This guide groups caterpillars by their foodplant. The identification is made simple as species are shown where they are likely to be found. Over 500 British and European caterpillars are illustrated with their own foodplants. Opposite each is a miniature of the butterfly or moth into which it will transform. The text discusses the anatomy, life-cycle, enemies, defence, methods, rearing, study and conservation of caterpillars. Every family is described including details of appearance, range, habitat, foodplants, biology and the time of year they can be seen.

Genres: Reference

296 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this an excellent reference.

The index is by the caterpillar's food plant, so that makes it easy for a naturalist to check quickly.

As well as the fascinating colour illustrations, there is information about the different species.

After the moth and butterfly larvae pages which fill most of the book, there is another section for larvae of other creatures that look like caterpillars, but are not. This is equally as useful because the pine sawfly, for instance, has caterpillar-like larvae which resemble pine needles and can devastate a Scots Pine in great numbers. On such occasions anyone might want to find out what the creatures are and a standard book of butterfly and moth caterpillars will be no help. This book identifies it once you keep thumbing through or focus on the Pines.